KTBB News, Weather, Talk

EAST TEXAS — Rain is expected to continue through today, but it won’t be as heavy as yesterday. Wednesday’s storms caused plenty of problems in East Texas. Emergency agencies reported high water and storm damage around the area. The Tyler Police Department has reported high water at times at several intersections. Authorities urge you to use extra caution and avoid driving through deep waters. In their words, “Turn around…don’t drown.”

In Anderson County, a possible tornado touched down Wednesday near the Bethel area, according to the sheriff. A house was destroyed in the 500 block of Farm Road 2706 (see picture at left). The house was leveled, pulled off its foundation, and debris was scattered across a nearby field. Officials say nobody was home at the time of the destruction. Several other homes were damaged, one in the 600 block of Farm Road 260. Authorities tell KETK the house’s porch and siding were damaged. Earlier in Anderson County, there were reports of several trees and power lines down.

Elsewhere, the Mt. Enterprise school district dismissed classes early Wednesday due to power outages. All students were sent home around 1:00pm. Electricity has been restored, and classes resumed as planned today.

TYLER — The City of Tyler has started the process to annex the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. At yesterday’s meeting, the city council authorized a service plan and setting the dates, times and places for public hearings on the proposed annexation. The health center is located on about 593.11 acres of land located at the northwest intersection of State Highway 271 and State Highway 155.

“As illustrated in the Industry Growth Initiative plan, the higher education and Healthcare industries are critical components of Tyler’s local economy,” said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “Healthcare provides for more than 25,000 jobs in our region and has an economic impact estimated at $3.1 billion. By annexing the UTHSCT into Tyler city limits, we will be taking an important step in continuing to support and grow these industries.”

The voluntary annexation of the campus was initiated by representatives of UTHSCT and is allowed under the State Annexation Law in the Texas Local Government Code. “We are pleased to see this process move forward,” said Dr. Kirk Calhoun, president of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. “We look forward to becoming a part of Tyler not only in name, but as a partner in our city’s future growth and development.” Following the action taken Wednesday by the City Council, the proposed annexation will now be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission at their Feb.7 meeting.

Under Texas Local Government Code, it is necessary to conduct two separate public hearings to consider the proposed annexation. The first public hearing will be held on February 22 at 9:00am in the City Council Chambers. A second public hearing will be held on March 7, at 9:00am, also at the City Council Chambers. Final consideration of the Annexation Ordinance will be considered by the City Council at its regularly scheduled City Council meeting on March 28. The Service Plan will be available for review in the Planning and Zoning Department prior to the first public hearing.

“This is a major step forward in the growth of our City,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel. “Healthcare education is so important to maintaining our high levels of medical care in East Texas and equally as valuable in providing jobs.”

TYLER — A task force that has been studying homelessness in Tyler has presented its report to the city council. The task force was launched by Mayor Barbara Bass. The group’s report calls for a 10 point plan for moving forward to end homelessness in Tyler, and the Council has already begun taking action on the plan. Here are the ten points:

1. Establish an ongoing Homeless Roundtable that serves as the local continuum of care organization, to implement these recommendations and plans that are developed to end homelessness in Tyler. The Roundtable will be chaired by an appointee of the Mayor and a City staff liaison will be appointed by the City Manager.
2. Undertake the development of a local continuum of care plan to serve as the community’s five- and ten-year plans to end homelessness for veterans and the general population.
3. Examine client discharging practices for institutions – including, foster care, jail/prison and health facilities—and develop interventions to provide transitional support.
4. Support the opening of a Day Resource Room to provide the homeless with services such as showers, lockers, haircuts, phone messages, etc. (such as Gateway to Hope).
5. Support the efforts of groups like Cornerstone Assistance Network, and others, to provide support and casework/referrals to services for individuals dealing with homelessness—assisting them with gaining independence and self-sufficiency.
6. Implement enhanced (or more integrated) software to better track services related to the homeless. Use this data to better identify subgroups and higher-risk populations in this community.
7. Develop enhanced access for behavioral health/mental services.
8. Seek funding from all available sources to provide for gaps in services and to end homelessness (Federal, State, and private foundations, including, but not limited to, HUD and the VA).
9. Support efforts of 211 to update resource database.
10. Support the efforts of faith-based organizations and non-profits to combat homelessness in the community.

Council members followed up on the task force report by voting unanimously to convey ownership of a vacant City building to the Gateway to Hope, 501c3, for the purposes of establishing a day resource center to assist homeless individuals. “I am very pleased that we are able to take this action today to tangibly help those in need in our community,” Bass said Wednesday.” “Our report on homelessness was just released and we formed the Homeless Roundtable today. This step toward establishing a day resource center meets an additional need identified in our 10 point plan.”

Subject to a pending zoning change and special use permit, the property to be conveyed to Gateway to Hope is located at 601 Valentine Street. The building was formerly the location for WIC, but is currently vacant. You can go to http://www.cityoftyler.org/ for more information.

TYLER — Tyler’s Discovery Science Center has a new chief executive officer. He is Phil Lindsey, who has previously been at The Health Museum in Houston, The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and attractions like Disneyland and Universal Studios in California. Introduced to the community by Henry Bell, president of the DSP Board of Directors, Lindsey brings what museum officials term “a wholly unique mix of talent, background and education.” Officials add that “he’s an experienced designer, film maker and geek, qualities perfectly suited to the science museum field.”

“What really drives me is the ability to help lead and create visitor experiences that are fun, fulfilling, engaging and relevant as well as being commercially viable and self sustaining,” explained Lindsey. “I love taking risks and I love entrepreneurial thinking, that is the only way for the field to advance in these fast moving times.”

Museum officials say Lindsey is “a passionate visionary” when it comes to creating unique and relevant cultural visitor experiences. Lindsey has vast experience in museum leadership, exhibit and programming design and business development. He serves on the board of IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions), the board of the IAAPA Foundation, holds a B.A. in Theatre from University of California, Irvine and a M.B.A. from Rice University – Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management.

According to a news release, Lindsey’s years with Disney gave him an appreciation of designing for audiences while his love of science gives him an enthusiasm for teaching. “Often the hardest thing for a cultural institution to realize is that in the eyes of their community, they are often just another fun thing to do on a weekend with the kids,” stated Lindsey. “Our challenge [at Discovery Science Place] is to make that fun trip more enriching and fulfilling than they were expecting, and in the process create a lifelong passion for learning and an appreciation of science in all its forms. Plus, we get to play with some really cool stuff.”

Recognized among the top 25 science centers in the nation by Parents magazine and named the Best Downtown Business in Texas in 2009 by the Texas Downtown Association, the Discovery Science Place is a non-profit, hands-on learning environment with a mission of igniting curiosity in young minds through fun, hands-on exploration.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council unanimously voted to authorize a contract to proceed with design of a Downtown parking garage structure. A consultant has recommended building a multi-level parking structure with between 300 and 400 spaces after conducting a parking study of the downtown area. The total fee, including an estimated cost for reimbursable expenses, is $452,515 for 100 percent design.

GREGG COUNTY — Longview-area Muslims hope to complete a mosque on the northern edge of the city in coming months, amid opposition from residents in the neighborhood. Islamic Community of Longview member Saleem Shabazz said the 35 or 40 Muslims planning the worship center are encountering opposition from some future neighbors. Envisioned as a 2,500- to 3,000-square foot mosque and cultural/education center, the facility on Amy Street would take the place of an apartment where local Muslims have held Friday prayers for about two decades, Shabazz said.

Some Amy Street residents are saying everyone has a right to a place of worship, just not on their street. The nearest mosque is in Tyler, and Longview-area Muslims have been candid about wanting their own place of worship.

A member of the Longview Race Relations Committee, Shabazz said he has discussed aspects of the new mosque with the county commissioner for that precinct, Charles Davis. Davis on Tuesday acknowledged several calls “from people out there who are unhappy for various reasons.”

TYLER — Heart of Tyler celebrates another successful year. The downtown revitalization group held its annual meeting Tuesday night, celebrating its achievements and looking to build on what it’s accomplished. As Mayor Barbara Bass noted in her keynote speech, the highlight of 2011 was the opening of the renovated Liberty Theater as Liberty Hall. The organization’s annual Brick Award went to the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition, whose contributions featured the continuation and growth of the downtown square’s quarterly Art Walks.

TYLER — Two suspects enter not guilty pleas in the death of a one year old boy. Simon Lopez, 27, and Emma Torres, 19, are charged with killing Torres’ son, Jeremy Silva in 2010. The pleas were entered yesterday in State District Court in Tyler. A trial date has not been set and prosecutors have not announced if they will seek the death penalty.

Police say Lopez was watching Silva while Torres worked. He reportedly called one of her relatives to say the boy wasn’t breathing. Investigators say Lopez left the boy with the relative and fled. Autopsy results show the toddler died from blunt force trauma. In November, Lopez was caught in Mexico, and returned to East Texas.

LONGVIEW – Authorities are looking for the dog that bit a Longview teen. The student was taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center for treatment. The teen was said to have been bleeding profusely following the attack around 4:15 Tuesday afternoon in the 200 block of Doyle Street. The dog was said to have been a pit bull.

LONGVIEW – A Gregg County man is one of three persons appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the State Committee of Examiners in the Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Instruments. They are being appointed for terms to expire December 31, 2017. The committee licenses and regulates fitters and dispensers of hearing instruments in Texas.

One of those appointed was Jesus “Jesse” Rangel Jr. of Longview. He is owner of Beltone Hearing Aid Center, and a licensed hearing aid dealer. He is a board member of Texas Hearing Aid Association, and a member of the International Hearing Society and Louisiana Society of Hearing Aid Specialists. He is also a member of the Longview Knights of Columbus and National Rifle Association, and a past member of the Longview chapter of the National Association of American Business Clubs.

Also appointed to the panel were William McCrae of San Antonio and Barbara Willy of Sugar Land.

LONGVIEW — Cargill Trail between LeDuke Boulevard and Hughey Dr. has been temporarily closed to allow for culvert maintenance. The trail will be reopened as soon as the work is complete. Other sections of the Cargill Trail will remain open.

TYLER — The lights could soon be on in the old Tyler Goodyear plant. According to KETK, Tom Mullins with the Tyler Economic Development Council says IRG Industrial bought the building. The company is based in California. It has a history of buying old industrial buildings and re-purposing them. Six different companies had shown interest in buying the Goodyear building since it closed in 2008.

SMITH COUNTY — Two men are shot outside a club in Smith County. Sheriff’s deputies tell KETK two men, ages 20 and 21, were both shot outside the Corner Pocket Club off Indian Trace Road on Monday. One report indicates one of the wounded men was asleep in a car. The other man was hanging around the car when shots were fired. Both of them were taken to a local hospital. No word on any suspects.

TYLER — The Smith County Road and Bridge Department has received several calls about campaign signs placed in the county right of way, Assistant Road and Bridge Administrator Charley Miller said on Tuesday. Miller said that the county right of way consists of the space between utility lines and the road’s edge. Signs placed behind utility lines are considered on private property. “As long as signs are behind power lines, they are on private property and will not be removed,” Miller said. Officials say signs removed from the county right of way will be stored at the county road and bridge office at 1700 West Claude Street in Tyler, until the 2012 election cycle ends. Unclaimed signs will be disposed of immediately after the 2012 election polls close.

QUITMAN — Authorities in Wood County are searching for a brother and sister duo. KETK reports Mandy Nicole Walker is wanted for manufacture, sale, and possession of a controlled substance; and her brother, Calvin Jason Walker, 25, is wanted for assault and family violence. Anyone with info on their whereabouts is urged to call authorities.

LONGVIEW — Two Longview women remained jailed Monday evening after police say they offered to have sex with a man for money, and then they bit and threatened him with a knife while demanding more cash. Longview Police arrested Marie Shunrill Anderson, 25, (pictured) and Samantha Daye Livingston, 19, around 8:00 Sunday night at Texas Lodge in the 1500 block of East Marshall Avenue. The two women offered to have sex with the victim in exchange for money and he accepted.

According to police, the women already had money from the agreed upon “transaction” but were demanding more. The victim also reported that one of the suspects bit him on the forearm during the attack. Anderson and Livingston were arrested after showing officers where the money and knife were stashed. They remained jailed Monday evening on $50,000 bond, charged with aggravated robbery.

SMITH COUNTY — An accident involving a motorcycle leave one man dead. It happened around noon Monday on Bascom Road at FM 848, three miles north east of Whitehouse. Officials said the accident involved 3 vehicles, a 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle, a 2006 semi and a 2008 Honda Accord. Authorities said the motorcycle, driven by Derek Simoneaux, 26, Corpus Christi and the Honda were heading southbound when the bike clipped a northbound 18 wheeler coming around the curve. The motorcycle reportedly broke in half and caught on fire. A piece of the motorcycle flew back hitting the Honda Accord, which was driven by the victim’s wife, Maricela Simoneaux. She was not injured.

TYLER – A man has been injured in a one vehicle accident in Tyler. It occurred just before 7:30 Monday night in the 2500 block of the Frankston Highway. Investigators say the man’s pickup left the roadway and rolled into a wooded area on the east side of the road. The driver was taken by private vehicle to East Texas Medical Center for treatment of what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

TYLER — There’s an ongoing debate over vocational education vs. college education, and it’s being renewed as lawmakers check on implementation of the state’s newest standardized test, the STAAR test. According to KETK, some people in Tyler believe their one-track vocational education has served them well. Trade school graduate Brian Manley is the business manager of K&K Electric Company. Manley says, “If you look at the people who are successful, they specialize; they’re the ones that are gettin’ the premium dollar for their services because they know that one thing and they know it well.”

SMITH COUNTY — A man reportedly steals his grandmother’s car and leads officials on a high-speed chase through Smith County. KETK reports it happened just before noon Monday in the Lindale area near County Road 456. Officials with the sheriff’s department say the chase ended when the man drove back to his grandparents’ house and surrendered. He was arrested for unauthorized use of a vehicle and evading arrest. There was no immediate word on the suspect’s name.

TYLER — A suspect has been arrested in connection with a Tyler ht-and-run accident. William Earl Bowser, 61, of Tyler, turned himself in to authorities on Monday. Bowser was charged with accident involving personal injury or death, a 3rd degree felony. Bond was set at $3,000.00 He is believed to be the driver of the car that hit Larry Wayne King, 47.

Shortly before 6:15 Saturday evening, officers responded to the intersection of West Gentry Parkway and North Bois D’Arc. They found King lying in the roadway after having been struck by a vehicle. EMS transported King to East Texas Medical Center where his condition is critical and he is being treated for possible life-threatening injuries.

Officers interviewed witnesses at the scene and were advised that King was walking northbound on North Bois D’Arc, attempting to cross Gentry, when he was hit by a car traveling eastbound on West Gentry. The vehicle continued eastbound after striking King, failing to stop for the accident.

TYLER — The Literacy Council of Tyler stages a happy reunion and looks for a big financial return when it hosts former First Lady Barbara Bush for a Celebration of Literacy today. The noon luncheon at Harvey Convention Center features Mrs. Bush as the keynote speaker, with proceeds benefiting the Literacy Council. This month marks the 15-year anniversary of Mrs. Bush’s last visit. She spoke at a celebration for literacy in January 1997.

“When Mrs. Bush spoke to our community 15 years ago, we were a small organization and there was limited awareness of illiteracy in Tyler,” said Nancy Crawford, executive director of Literacy Council of Tyler. “We’ve gone from serving 600 students per year to about 2,500 students per year, and really feel like much of our success is thanks to Mrs. Bush. We are so honored to have her back.”

Mrs. Bush started The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy more than 20 years ago. It has awarded over $42 million to support the development and expansion of 960 family literacy programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

WHITEHOUSE — State Representative Leo Berman is ill and hospitalized. Berman did not attend today’s question and answer session at Whitehouse United Methodist Church, according to Whitehouse Chamber of Commerce officials. Berman is running against Matt Schaeffer in the GOP primary for the District 6 seat, and both men were scheduled to appear today at the church. KETK reports that Berman’s family asks for his privacy at this time. Schaeffer released the following statement Monday:

“I have been informed that Rep. Berman is under the weather and will not be able to attend the Whitehouse Chamber of Commerce Q&A session (Tuesday). According to a representative with the Chamber, the event will proceed with a modified format. They will allow me time to say a few words and take some questions. We pray Rep. Berman gets to feeling better soon.”

JACKSONVILLE – A Jacksonville man is facing additional drug charges. Last Wednesday, Kevin Wade Gray, 30, was stopped for a traffic violation. Officers found 2 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, assorted packaging material and $1,370. Gray was transported to Cherokee County Jail and charged with Manufacture and Delivery of Controlled Substance. The following day he was arraigned by Judge Grimes and bond was set at $20,000 for the 2nd degree felony.

Within an hour of making his bond on January 20th, and leaving Cherokee County Jail, Investigators received information that Gray had more narcotics at his residence located at 2209 King Street in Jacksonville. Investigators and Deputies went to his home while a new search warrant for the residence was obtained. As they arrived, Gray also arrived. He was approached about the other narcotics, which he denied having, and left the residence on foot.

In the house investigators and deputies found 26.8 grams of methamphetamine and less than 2 ounces of marijuana. The 2004 Ford pickup truck that Gray had been driving was also seized. Charges are currently pending based on the narcotics found at the residence.

GREGG COUNTY — A Longview man and a Harleton teen were killed in a one-vehicle weekend crash after the driver swerved to miss an animal. Department of Public Safety officials said Jason Daniel Yaws, 15, and Andrew Philip Foster, 21, were pronounced dead at the scene. Foster’s brother, a passenger, was injured in the crash. According to the Longview News-Journal, DPS spokeswoman Sylvia Jennings said Foster was traveling eastbound on State Highway 154 shortly before 12:45 Saturday morning when the accident occurred. Jennings said Foster’s Chevy Malibu crossed into westbound traffic, then over-corrected and crossed back into the eastbound lane. The car struck a culvert, went airborne and struck a tree.

Foster’s brother, Aaron, and Yaws were passengers in the vehicle. Aaron Foster, 15, was transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview, where he was listed in stable condition with minor injuries, she said. Yaws was a student at New Hope Baptist Church Academy in Diana.

LUFKIN — Etech, a Nacogdoches-based call center company and business process outsourcer, plans to add 150 workers at its Lufkin location in the next 30 days. Director of Recruiting, Roby Somerford, said Etech’s clients, which include Fortune 500 companies, are giving the company more work assisting with inbound and outbound customers service, technical support and sales lead generation.

According to Somerford, the new positions are full-time, permanent entry-level positions with an hourly pay rate of $8-$9 to start. Training would last a week or two, depending on the campaign, which includes DeVry University and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle’s MyPlates. There are also higher pay opportunities for those with bilingual skills and those willing to work on weekends, he said.

Applicants can go to the company’s website at http://www.etechtexas.com, he said, then receive a confirming email. Applicants will then receive a pre-screening call which could result in an on-site interview which will also include a grammar, computer and typing test.

GREGG COUNTY — No arrests have been made in connection with a stolen pickup that was found partially submerged in the Sabine River Saturday afternoon. Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano said sheriff’s deputies were called to Farm Road 2087 in connection with a vehicle that was partially submerged in the river. According to KETK, Cerliano said the vehicle, which belonged to a Harrison County business, originally didn’t return stolen, because it had just been reported missing in Harrison County. “To my knowledge, no one has been arrested at this time,” Cerliano said.

LONGVIEW –- A Longview man is facing a variety of charges after leading police on a chase. The suspect, James Eric Smelley, 26, is said to have stolen a truck around 1:30 Sunday afternoon. He hit a couple of cars and a boat when he ran a red light at the intersection of McCann Road and U.S. Highway 80. After going through the intersection Smelley reportedly hit two more cars. He then led officers on a brief foot chase before being caught. No injuries were reported. The suspect was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Smelley is charged with evading arrest in a vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, theft of a motor vehicle, and accident involving damage. He was booked into the Gregg County Jail.

LUFKIN (AP/Staff) – The trial is approaching for a former Lufkin dialysis nurse accused of killing five patients by injecting them with bleach. Jury selection is first on the agenda this week for Kimberly Saenz, 38, who faces the death penalty if convicted of capital murder. Picking a jury is expected to take several weeks. Authorities arrested Saenz in April 2009. They say two witnesses saw her pour bleach into syringes and traces of it were found in dialysis machine tubing. Authorities say five other patients were also injected with bleach but survived. Saenz’s attorney says she’s being blamed for the clinic’s mistakes.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at work planned in the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

SMITH COUNTY — Construction crews working on Segment 3A of Toll 49 are scheduled to briefly halt traffic on State Highway 31 and State Highway 155 in the next few weeks while bridge beams are placed over the roadways. Crews are scheduled to be at work on SH 31 at Toll 49 west of Tyler on Thursday and Friday, January 26-27, with similar work at SH 155 and Toll 49 south of Tyler on Monday and Tuesday, January 30-31.

Traffic will be stopped only while beams are lifted over the roadway and positioned on the columns, but the delays may be lengthy while individual beams are being lifted into place. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to stop in this area, and to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

Segment 3A of Toll 49 runs between SH 155 south of Tyler to SH 31 west of Tyler, connecting the existing segments of Toll 49 between Farm Road 756 (Paluxy Drive) and Segment 3B, which is being built by the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority. Segment 3B, which will connect SH 31 with Interstate Highway20, is scheduled for completion in 2013, according to the NETRMA. Segment 3A is scheduled for completion in 2012. The eastern-most segment of Toll 49, known as Segment 5, will connect Farm Road 756 with State Highway 110 near Whitehouse and is scheduled for completion in 2012.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge repairs on eastbound Interstate Highway 20 between State Highway 31 and the Harrison County Line. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

MOUNT ENTERPRISE — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to resume pavement-repair operations on U.S. Highway 259 in Mount Enterprise. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement repairs on Farm Road 2422 between U.S. Highway 80 and Farm Road 1804 near Hoard. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations in various locations on Farm Road 1995 between State Highway 110 near Garden Valley and Farm Road 314 south of Van. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations in various locations on State Highway 110 between New Summerfield and Troup, and south of Rusk. Also, crews are scheduled to level-up approaches to bridges on U.S. Highway 79 between Jacksonville and the Rusk County line, and in various locations on Farm Road 2064 between State Highway 135 in Tecula and State Highway 135 south of Troup. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on Farm Road 321 between U.S. Highway 287 in Tennessee Colony and State Highway 19 in Montalba, and edge repairs on Farm Road 321 between State Highway 155 Mound Prairie and Farm Road 2574 in Neches. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.